Adjustable tarpaulin support

ABSTRACT

A support apparatus includes a rectilinear central pole having axially opposed end portions. The pole includes a plurality of oppositely spaced female portions and a male portion slid ably engageable therewith. Each female portion has a plurality of apertures equidistantly spaced along a longitudinal length thereof. The male portion is medially nested between the female portions wherein the female portions are telescopically movable. The apparatus further includes first and second pairs of telescopically adjustable and rectilinear leg members connected to the opposed end portions of the pole and extending away therefrom, respectively. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for independently pivoting each of the first and second leg members about a fulcrum axis centrally registered with the pole and extending parallel thereto. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for independently pivoting the first and second members along a unique arcuate path and about a fulcrum axis.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This invention claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 120, to the U.S. Non-Provisional patent application No. 11/096,122 to Scott L. Buckley filed on 1 Apr. 2005, which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to boat covers and, more particularly, to supports for boat covers comprised of flexible sheets.

2. Description of the Related Art

Many boats do not have roofs, and as a result, the passenger compartments are open to the elements of rain, snow, and wind. When such open boats are not in use, they are often covered with flexible covers, often called tarpaulins or tarps. A problem associated with tarps is that water or snow often forms pools on the tarps. The pools of water on the tarps can put excessive pressure on the tarp and cause it to tear. The excessive weight may cause the tarp to be pulled from its supports and cause the tarp to collapse causing the pooled water or snow to enter the boat. In addition, after a rain or snow storm, and the boat user is planning to use the boat, the user may be required to remove large quantities of pooled water or snow before being able to remove the tarp and gain access to the boat. For these and other reasons, it would be desirable if a boat tarp could be supported in such as way as to prevent the pooling of water or snow on the tarp.

In an effort to prevent water or snow from pooling on a tarp, some people employ certain makeshift steps. For example, some people place the tarp over the boat and then climb under the tarp to place a vertically standing stick under the tarp. The vertically standing stick supports a portion of the tarp at an elevated position so that the tarp slopes downward from the elevated position. Water or snow readily slides down the sloping tarp and does not form undesirable pools. A disadvantage of this method of tarp support is the necessity of climbing under the tarp. In this respect, it would be desirable if a device were provided for supporting a portion of a tarp in an elevated position without requiring a person to get under the tarp to install the tarp support.

Still other features would be desirable in a support apparatus for a flexible sheet boat cover. For example, in many boats, the most elevated point in the boat is present at the top of the windshield. In this respect, it would be desirable if the top of the windshield could be utilized in a tarp support apparatus.

When a tarp support is supporting a tarp, the weight of the tarp and the tarp support is born by the boat. In order not to damage portions of the boat that support the tarp support and tarp, it would be desirable if resilient pads could be provided between the tarp support and the boat. In the front portions of some boats, there are railings that are present that converge toward the bow of the boat. Under certain circumstances, it may be desirable is a tarp support could be supported by those converging railings.

Accordingly, a need remains for a tarpaulin cover support apparatus for boats that overcomes the above-noted shortcomings. The present invention satisfies such a need by providing an adjustable tarpaulin support that directs moisture in the form of rain, sleet, and snow away from a boat, instead of collecting it and pooling it as conventional tarps do. Such an apparatus is ideal for boats and other objects that are stored outdoors for preventing the pooling of water, which may, over a period of time, cause rust, mildew, or dry-rotting of a boat.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable tarpaulin support apparatus for providing cover for boats when in storage. These and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are provided by an apparatus that may include a horizontally registered and/or rectilinear central pole having axially opposed end portions. The pole may include a plurality of oppositely spaced female portions and/or a male portion slid ably engageable therewith. Each female portion may have a plurality of apertures equidistantly spaced along a longitudinal length thereof for adjusting a length of the pole. The male portion may be medially nested between the female portions wherein the female portions may be telescopically movable along a longitudinal length of the male portion for axially adjusting a longitudinal length of the pole. The male portion may have at least one detent extending outwardly therefrom selectively insertable through one of the apertures of the female portion.

The apparatus may further include first and/or second pairs of telescopically adjustable and/or rectilinear leg members connected to the opposed end portions of the pole and/or extending away therefrom respectively. Each first and/or second pairs of leg members may include first and/or second members respectively.

The apparatus may also include a mechanism for independently pivoting each of the members along a unique arcuate path and/or about a fulcrum axis extending orthogonal to a longitudinal length of the pole in such a manner that each leg member may be independently positioned parallel and/or orthogonal to the pole.

The apparatus may additionally include a mechanism for independently pivoting the first and/or second pairs of leg members about a fulcrum axis centrally registered with the pole and/or extending parallel thereto. Each member may be pivotal along independent arcuate paths radially extending outwardly from the pole wherein the leg member pair pivoting mechanism cooperates with the member pivoting mechanism in such a manner that a user may adapt each member while simultaneously rotating the pair of leg members during operating conditions.

The leg member pair pivoting mechanism may include a ball joint, or rotating joint, and/or first and/or second pairs of brackets rotatably connected to the end portions of the pole. First and/or second latches are operably conjoinable with the first and second pairs of brackets for locking the first and/or second pairs of brackets at biased positions respectively. The member pivoting mechanism may include third and/or fourth pairs of brackets rotatably connected to the first and/or second pairs of brackets and/or securely connected to the members respectively.

Each of the members may be coextensive and/or include a female member portion connected to the member pivoting mechanism and/or extending away therefrom. The female member portion may have a plurality of apertures equidistantly spaced along a front and/or rear surface of the female member portion. A male member portion may be telescopically insertable into the female member portion and/or slidable between extended and/or retracted positions. Such a male member portion may have a plurality of equidistantly spaced apertures selectively registerable with corresponding ones of the female member portion apertures. Such members may have a longitudinal length equal to one-half the longitudinal length of the pole so that the members can be aligned end-to-end adjacent the pole after being adapted to a folded position.

It is noted the purpose of the foregoing summary is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

The summary is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed to be characteristic of this invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable tarpaulin support apparatus, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an adjustable tarpaulin support apparatus, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a leg member pair pivoting mechanism, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 a is a side elevational view of a leg member pair pivoting mechanism, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is top plan view of a leg member pair pivoting mechanism, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the leg member pair pivoting mechanism of FIG. 4, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4B is an exploded view of the leg member pair pivoting mechanism of FIG. 4, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an adjustable tarpaulin support apparatus, according to one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the adjustable tarpaulin support apparatus, according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, this embodiment is provided so that this application will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the true scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the figures.

The apparatus of this invention is referred to generally in FIGS. 1-6 by the reference numeral 10 and is intended to provide an adjustable tarpaulin support apparatus for providing cover for boats when in storage. It should be understood that the apparatus 10 may be used to cover and protect many different types of objects and should not be limited to use only with boats.

Initially referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the apparatus 10 includes a horizontally registered and rectilinear central pole 20 having axially opposed end portions 21. The pole 20 includes a plurality of oppositely spaced female portions 22 and a male portion 23 slidably engageable therewith. Each female portion 22 preferably has a plurality of apertures 25 equidistantly spaced along a longitudinal length thereof for adjusting a length of the pole 20. The male portion 23 is medially nested between the female portions 22 wherein the female portions 22 are telescopically movable along a longitudinal length of the male portion 23 for axially adjusting a longitudinal length of the pole 20.

The male portion 23 preferably has at least one detent 24 extending outwardly therefrom selectively insertable through one of the apertures 25 of the female portion 22, as shown in FIG. 6. Such an apparatus 10 is conveniently telescopically extendable along a linear length and height so the apparatus 10 can be adapted for use with boats of varying length and height. Such a feature allows the apparatus 10 to be adapted to fully support and accommodate any size tarpaulin in order to prevent sagging, stretching and tearing of the tarpaulin, while also keeping the interior of an unoccupied boat completely dry for the owner.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the apparatus 10 further includes first 31 and second 32 pairs of telescopically adjustable and rectilinear leg members 30 connected to the opposed end portions of the pole 20 and extending away therefrom respectively. Each first 31 and second 32 pairs of leg members 30 include first 31A, 32A and second 31B, 32B members respectively. In one embodiment of the invention, such leg members 30 and pole 20 are formed from aluminum because of its light weight and durability, but may also be formed from stainless steel, galvanized metal, or plastic, to resist corrosion in an outdoor environment. The apparatus 10 also includes a mechanism 50 for independently pivoting each of the members 30 along a unique arcuate path and about a fulcrum axis extending orthogonal to a longitudinal length of the pole 20 in such a manner that each leg member 30 can be independently positioned parallel and orthogonal to the pole 20, as shown in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 3-4, the apparatus 10 also includes a mechanism 40 for independently pivoting the leg members 30 about a fulcrum axis centrally registered with the pole 20 and extending parallel thereto. Each member 30 is pivotal along independent arcuate paths radially extending outwardly from the pole 20 wherein the leg member pair pivoting mechanism 40 cooperates with the member pivoting mechanism 50 in such a manner that a user can adapt each member 30 while simultaneously rotating the pair of leg members 31, 32 during operating conditions. During operating conditions, any rain, sleet, or snow rolls down all sides of the tarpaulin, preventing leakage or moisture seepage into the boat. Because the tarpaulin is not stretched or caused to sag by the accumulation of water, the material life of such a tarpaulin is extended, resulting in less cost and inconvenience for the owner.

Still referring to FIGS. 3-4, the leg member pair pivoting mechanism 40 includes first 41 and second 42 pairs of brackets rotatably connected to the end portions 21 of the pole 20, and a lock knob mechanism 43 operably conjoinable with the first 41 and second 42 pairs of brackets for locking the first 41 and second 42 pairs of brackets at biased positions, respectively. For example, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the lock knob 43 mechanism may be such as, but not limited to, the lock knob of U.S. Pat. No.: 5,433,552, issued to Thyu, which is incorporated by reference herein. Advantageously, the lock knob mechanism 43 secures the first 41 and second 42 pairs of brackets, respectively, so that the apparatus may support a large amount of weight from rain, sleet, snow, and/or other environmental matter without collapsing.

Likewise, the member pivoting mechanism 50 includes third 55 and fourth 56 pairs of brackets rotatably connected to the first 41 and second 42 pairs of brackets and securely connected to the members 30, respectively. Further, the member pivoting mechanism 50 includes a pair of swivel locks 44. For example, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the pair of swivel locks 44 may be such as, but not limited to, a socket bolt. When placed inside a boat, the apparatus 10 may be adjusted to a desired length and height. Once adjusted and positioned with all four leg members 30 on the deck of the boat, the apparatus 10 would create an A-frame configuration with the pole 20 and secured as required around the lower edges of the tarpaulin. Such a pivoting mechanism 50 provides folding and functionality of the apparatus 10 by allowing the apparatus 10 to be folded and conveniently stored.

Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the members 30 are coextensive and include a female member 33 portion connected to the member pivoting mechanism 50 and extending away therefrom. The female member 33 portion has a plurality of apertures 35 equidistantly spaced along a front 36 and rear 37 surface of the female member 33 portion. A male member 34 portion is telescopically insertable into the female member 33 portion and slidable between extended and retracted positions. Such a male member 34 portion has a plurality of equidistantly spaced apertures 38 selectively registerable with corresponding ones of the female members 33 portion apertures 35.

In one embodiment of the invention, such members 33 have a longitudinal length equal to one-half the longitudinal length of the pole 20 so that the members 33 can be aligned end-to-end adjacent the pole 20 after being adapted to a folded position. In such a folded position, the apparatus 10 can be easily transported and stored, or used with another boat. The male members 34 preferably include a plurality of yieldable cups disposed subjacent a distal end portion of the male member 34. Such yieldable cups protect the male members from contaminants and moisture, and also prevent marring of a ground surface and provide stability during operating conditions.

While the invention has been described with respect to a certain specific embodiment, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is intended, therefore, by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

In particular, with respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the present invention may include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation. The assembly and use of the present invention are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art. 

1. An adjustable tarpaulin support apparatus for providing cover to boats when in storage, comprising: a horizontally registered central pole having axially opposed end portions, wherein the pole is telescopically extendable and includes: a plurality of oppositely spaced female portions, each female portion having a plurality of apertures disposed along a longitudinal length thereof; and a male portion slidably engageable with the female portions, medially disposed between the female portions, and having a detent extending outwardly therefrom selectively insertable through the apertures of the female portion, wherein the female portions are telescopically movable along a longitudinal length of the male portion; and first and second pairs of leg members each pivotally coupled to the opposed end portions of the pole, respectively, and extending outwardly therefrom, each first and second pairs of leg members including first and second members, respectively, each pivotally coupled to the first and second pairs of leg members, respectively.
 2. The adjustable tarpaulin support of claim 1, wherein the first and second pairs of leg members pivot about a fulcrum axis of the pole.
 3. The adjustable tarpaulin support of claim 2, wherein the first and second members pivot about the fulcrum axis of the pole.
 4. The adjustable tarpaulin support of claim 3, further comprising a leg member pair pivoting mechanism, disposed between the first and second pairs of leg members and the horizontally registered central pole, configured to pivotally couple the first and second pairs of leg members to the opposed end portions of the pole, respectively, wherein the leg member pair pivoting mechanism includes a ball joint.
 5. The adjustable tarpaulin support of claim 4, further comprising a member pivoting mechanism, disposed between the first and second pairs of members and the first and second pairs of leg members, including: first and second pairs of brackets rotatably coupled to the end portions of the pole; and first and second latches coupled to the first pair of brackets, respectively, coupleable to the second pair of brackets, respectively, configured to lock the first and second pairs of brackets at biased positions, respectively.
 6. The adjustable tarpaulin support of claim 5, wherein the member pivoting mechanism further comprises third and fourth pairs of brackets rotatably coupled to the first and second pairs of brackets, respectively.
 7. The adjustable tarpaulin support of claim 6, wherein each of the members is telescopically extendable.
 8. The adjustable tarpaulin support of claim 7, wherein each of the members comprises: a female member portion coupled to the member pivoting mechanism and extending outwardly therefrom, having a plurality of apertures disposed along a front and rear surface of the female member portion; and a male member portion slidably coupled to an interior of the female member portion, having a plurality of apertures selectively registerable with corresponding apertures of the female member portions.
 9. The adjustable tarpaulin support of claim 8, wherein the members have a longitudinal length equal to one-half the longitudinal length of the pole.
 10. An adjustable tarpaulin support apparatus for providing cover to boats when in storage, comprising: a horizontally registered central pole having axially opposed end portions, wherein the pole is telescopically extendable and includes: a plurality of oppositely spaced female portions, each female portion having a plurality of apertures disposed along a longitudinal length thereof; and a male portion slidably engageable with the female portions, medially disposed between the female portions, and having a detent extending outwardly therefrom selectively insertable through the apertures of the female portion, wherein the female portions are telescopically movable along a longitudinal length of the male portion; and first and second pairs of leg members each pivotally coupled to the opposed end portions of the pole, respectively, and extending outwardly therefrom, each first and second pairs of leg members including first and second members, respectively, each pivotally coupled to the first and second pairs of leg members, respectively; wherein the first and second pairs of leg members pivot about a fulcrum axis of the pole and the first and second members pivot about the fulcrum axis of the pole.
 11. The adjustable tarpaulin support of claim 10, further comprising a leg member pair pivoting mechanism, disposed between the first and second pairs of leg members and the horizontally registered central pole, configured to pivotally couple the first and second pairs of leg members to the opposed end portions of the pole, respectively, wherein the leg member pair pivoting mechanism includes a ball joint.
 12. The adjustable tarpaulin support of claim 11, further comprising a member pivoting mechanism, disposed between the first and second pairs of members and the first and second pairs of leg members, including: first and second pairs of brackets rotatably coupled to the end portions of the pole; and first and second latches coupled to the first pair of brackets, respectively, coupleable to the second pair of brackets, respectively, configured to lock the first and second pairs of brackets at biased positions, respectively.
 13. The adjustable tarpaulin support of claim 12, wherein the member pivoting mechanism further comprises third and fourth pairs of brackets rotatably coupled to the first and second pairs of brackets, respectively.
 14. The adjustable tarpaulin support of claim 10, wherein each of the members is telescopically extendable.
 15. The adjustable tarpaulin support of claim 14, wherein each of the members comprises: a female member portion coupled to the member pivoting mechanism and extending outwardly therefrom, having a plurality of apertures disposed along a front and rear surface of the female member portion; and a male member portion slidably coupled to an interior of the female member portion, having a plurality of apertures selectively registerable with corresponding apertures of the female member portions.
 16. The adjustable tarpaulin support of claim 10, wherein the members have a longitudinal length equal to one-half the longitudinal length of the pole. 